It is graduation time! For once in a long time, not one of my babies will be involved in any promotion ceremonies at school. They still get other awards, and will all be successfully moving on to the next grade in school. But, I have other family members who have completed a bigger milestone (like completing Pre-school or high school). I am proud of them, and I wish I could be there to celebrate their achievements, but I cannot.
When I was a full-time public school teacher (high school and middle school), I was usually required to work at the graduation ceremony. I remember complaining out loud how much I hated graduation ceremonies. Sitting or standing in the sun, the large crowds of pushy strangers, the cliched and boring speeches, the loud noisemakers, and whatever else I do not usually like. Without missing a beat, another staff member said she LOVED graduations. She liked how they meant hope towards a future, the accumulaton of achievements of all of the students, the happiness and pride across the graduates and their families. I was so focused on my discomfort and unhappiness at having to work more hours, I ignored all of the good that was around me. Now, having moved to a much smaller community than where I worked and lived most of my life, I have a different appreciation for graduations. Since they are smaller, most of the graduates get not just their names called, but also something more personal about them, like their plans for the future.
I tell most high school graduates that the ceremony is not for them, but for their parents and others who raised them. Some teachers loudly applaud when certain students FINALLY graduate and leave their school. I also tell students that they do not have to walk in the ceremony to be considered a "graduate". Their diploma has still been earned and can be picked up in the office later.
I like to hear the loud cheers of first-generation graduates' families because they have the highest hopes for their family members. During the ceremonies that I was a part of as a student, I loved hearing my family and friends cheer for me. They may not have been the loudest bunch, but I was anticipating hearing my name called from the stands. I knew that they had supported me all of my life, and would continue to be there for me as long as they could. They were proud of my accomplishments, and were excited to see what else the future held for me.
The LORD established celebrations and ceremonies. Although graduations are not in the Scriptures, we can still look at the Bible to encourage our graduates. Here are just a few from the English Standard Version:
1 Timothy 4:12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
Colossians 3:1-2 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
Deuteronomy 31:6 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that[a] they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Psalm 16:7-11
7 I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. 8 I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.
9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. 10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.
11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 119:10-106
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.
106 I have sworn an oath and confirmed it,
to keep your righteous rules.
Congratulations, everyone! May you seek the Lord, whatever you may do.
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